Vic Mizzy, the composer who penned the popular Addams Family theme (known for its congenial use of harpsichord and fingersnaps), has died at the age of 93. He did of heart failure Saturday at his home in Bel-Air, according to news reports. For film and television music fans, Mizzy was known as a composer with a rare gift – his themes, and scores, had an instant catchiness and were highly influential in the television media. Mizzy was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 9, 1916, and studied at the New York University. After many years in the song-writing business (together with Irving Taylor and Mann Curtiz), Mizzy started out in television in 1960, writing music for the series Moment of Fear and then moved on to other projects, including The Richard Boone Show, Klondike and Kentucky Jones. He made his big break with The Addams Family in 1964, with the late 1960s comedy Green Acres following shortly thereafter. In terms of feature films, Mizzy scores included The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Reluctant Astronaut and The Shakiest Gun in the West.

VIc Mizzy is survived by his daughter, a brother, and two grandchildren. The funeral service was held at Eden Memorial Park, Mission Hills, today.